Prostate specific antigen, total (total PSA): booking, price, and results
About Prostate specific antigen, total (total PSA): booking, price, and results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PSA test, total PSA, prostate specific antigen test, PSA total test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | Within 1 day |
| Recommended For | Males aged 50 and above; males aged 40 and above with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors |
| Price | Starting at ₹800 |
What is a prostate specific antigen, total (total PSA)?
The prostate specific antigen total test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in your blood. The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder. This test measures the combined amount of both bound and free PSA in your blood, giving a single total reading.
Doctors commonly prescribe the total PSA test to check for signs of prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, in men above a certain age or those with specific risk factors. It is also used to track how well treatment is working in men already diagnosed with a prostate condition.
What does a prostate specific antigen, total (total PSA), measure?
The PSA test measures one specific protein produced by prostate tissue. PSA circulates in the blood in two forms, and this test captures both together.
| Component | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| Free PSA | PSA that travels unbound in the bloodstream |
| Complexed PSA | PSA that is bound to other proteins in the blood |
| Total PSA | The sum of free and combined PSA bound to other proteins |
A raised total PSA level does not automatically point to cancer. Several conditions can cause levels to rise, which is why the result is always reviewed alongside your symptoms and medical history.
Why is a prostate specific antigen, total (total PSA), done?
The prostate specific antigen total test is ordered for several reasons, from initial investigation of symptoms to ongoing monitoring after treatment.
Common symptoms that may require this test
A doctor may recommend this test if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Needing to urinate more often, particularly at night
- A weak or slow urine stream
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or chest
Conditions this test can help detect
The total PSA test can help identify or assess the following conditions:
- Prostate cancer
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate
- Prostatitis, meaning inflammation or infection of the prostate gland
- Urinary tract infections in males
- Prostate abscess
Total PSA for chronic disease monitoring
PSA testing plays a key role in tracking prostate cancer after treatment. If a person's PSA level starts rising after surgery or radiation therapy, it may be the first sign that the cancer has returned, often months or years before any symptoms appear. Monitoring typically involves a PSA test every three to six months for the first three to five years after treatment, then once a year thereafter.
How to prepare and what to expect
No special preparation is needed for the prostate specific antigen total test procedure, but a few simple steps help ensure your result is accurate.
Do you need to fast?
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as normal before your test.
Practical tips before your test
Follow these guidelines in the days leading up to your PSA total test:
- Avoid sexual intercourse or ejaculation for at least 24 hours before sample collection, as this can temporarily raise PSA levels.
- Do not take the test within 7 days of a digital rectal examination (DRE) or rectal prostatic ultrasound.
- Avoid the test if you have had a recent urinary tract infection or urinary procedure; wait until you have fully recovered.
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, especially finasteride or dutasteride (used for BPH or hair loss), as these can significantly lower PSA readings.
Step-by-step procedure
Here is what to expect during sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist ties a tourniquet around your upper arm to make the veins more visible.
- The skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A fine needle is inserted into the vein. You may feel a brief prick at this point.
- A small blood sample of approximately 3 ml is drawn into a collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small cotton pad is placed over the site to stop any bleeding.
- The sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory, where serum is separated from the cells within one hour of collection.
The entire process usually takes under five minutes.
Factors that can affect accuracy
Several things can influence your PSA reading. Let your doctor know about any of the following:
- Recent ejaculation or vigorous physical activity such as cycling
- Active urinary tract infection
- Recent prostate biopsy or prostate surgery
- Use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride or dutasteride)
- A recent digital rectal examination (DRE)
Understanding your prostate specific antigen, total (total PSA) results
PSA results are interpreted alongside your age, symptoms, and medical history. The table below shows age-specific normal ranges as a general guide.
| Age Group | Normal PSA Level | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Normal range for most men. | 0 - 2.5 | ng/mL |
| It may be normal, but further evaluation could be necessary for some. | 2.6 - 4.0 | ng/mL |
| Potentially elevated; requires additional testing. | 4.1 - 10.0 | ng/mL |
| High risk of prostate cancer; immediate evaluation needed. | Above 10.0 | ng/mL |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
A total PSA level between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL is considered a diagnostic grey zone, where the result is neither clearly normal nor abnormal. When PSA exceeds 10.0 ng/mL, the probability of cancer is higher, and your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy.
Results during special conditions
Certain factors can shift your PSA reading considerably:
- Finasteride and dutasteride medications can cut PSA levels by roughly 50% after six months of use, which may mask a true elevation. Your doctor will account for this while reviewing your result.
- BPH causes the prostate to grow larger over time. More prostate tissue means more PSA is produced, even without cancer being present.
- Prostatitis can cause dramatic, temporary rises in PSA that often exceed the increases seen with BPH alone.
- Ejaculation can also transiently raise PSA levels, which is why abstinence before the test is recommended.
How to maintain healthy levels
These general lifestyle habits support overall prostate health:
- Maintain a healthy weight and include regular physical activity in your routine.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Attend regular health check-ups, especially if you are aged 50 or above or have a family history of prostate conditions.
Lupin Diagnostics prostate specific antigen, total (total PSA) price and home collection
The prostate specific antigen total test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹800, with home collection available across cities. The prices below are indicative figures sourced from aggregator data; please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
| City | Approximate Price ( ₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 800 |
| CHENNAI | 690 |
| HYDERABAD | 800 |
| KOLKATA | 800 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 800 |
| PUNE | 800 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to book
Follow these steps to book your prostate specific antigen total test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home collection
Prostate specific antigen total test home collection is available across major cities. Your blood sample is collected at home by a certified phlebotomist and processed in a NABL-accredited Lupin Diagnostics laboratory. Your digital report is delivered via email or WhatsApp, usually within one day.
Frequently Asked Questions
The total PSA test, also known as prostate specific antigen test, is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and the test adds together both the free and bound forms of PSA complexes to give a single total figure. It is used to screen for prostate conditions and to monitor treatment outcomes.
Men aged 50 and above with no particular risk factors are generally advised to discuss prostate specific antigen total screening with their doctor. Men aged 40 and above who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer, or those with other risk factors, should consider testing earlier. Your doctor will advise you on when to start and how often to repeat the test.
No, fasting does not affect PSA levels. You can eat and drink as usual on the day of your test. The preparation steps that matter most relate to avoiding ejaculation and certain medications before the test, not food intake.
Yes. Raised PSA levels are associated with several non-cancerous conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. A high reading does not confirm cancer on its own. Your doctor will consider your full clinical picture before recommending any further steps.
Yes. Medications such as finasteride and dutasteride, used for BPH or hair loss, can reduce PSA levels by around 50% after six months of use. This may cause a result to appear normal even when an underlying condition is present. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking before the test.
After prostate cancer treatment, the standard approach involves a PSA test every 6 to 12 months for the first five years and then annually after that. Your doctor will advise a schedule based on your individual situation.
No. The Total PSA test measures the combined level of both free and complexed PSA in your blood. A free PSA test measures only the unbound form. Doctors sometimes order a free PSA test alongside the total reading to better assess the likelihood of cancer, particularly when the total PSA falls in the grey zone between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL.
Prostate specific antigen, total (total PSA): booking, price, and results
